SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT

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1 Agenda Item No: 5.a Meeting Date: June 18, 2018 Department: Public Works SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT Prepared by: Bill Guerin, Director of Public Works City Manager Approval: TOPIC: SUBJECT: MEASURE A TRANSPORTATION SALES TAX RENEWAL RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVING THE TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY OF MARIN (TAM) FINAL TRANSPORTATION SALES TAX RENEWAL EXPENDITURE PLAN (MEASURE A TRANSPORTATION SALES TAX) RECOMMENDATION: Accept the presentation from the Transportation Authority of Marin (TAM) and adopt the Resolution approving the Final Transportation Sales Tax Renewal Expenditure Plan. BACKGROUND: The Transportation Sales Tax (Measure A) was approved by Marin County voters on November 2, 2004 and started collecting revenues on a ½-cent sales tax on April 1, Measure A authorized the collection of sales tax revenues over a 20-year period and currently raises over $25 million dollars each year. These revenues are dedicated to local transportation projects and programs in Marin County. Measure A is approaching its 12 th year of collection, with a sunset date of March 31, San Rafael benefits greatly from Measure A-funded projects and programs such as regional and local roadway improvements, improvements that enable safer multi-modal access to schools, and support for County-wide transit services. So far, the City of San Rafael has received $12 million from Measure A for road improvement projects, including $4 million for the improvements on Fourth Street in the West End. San Rafael anticipates receiving more than $10 million from Measure A to fund the Third Street Rehabilitation Project and future allocations, totaling more than $5 million for local streets and roads projects and other projects supported by Measure A through 2024/25. Measure A supports $550,000 per year (approximately 30 percent) of San Rafael s Street Resurfacing program. With a 15-year-old plan that is starting to fail to meet Marin s current needs, such as new areas of congestion and changing transit trends, the TAM Board commissioned an Expenditure Plan Advisory Committee to review the current plan and recommend changes, either keeping the sales tax at a rate of one half-cent or considering an increase in the sales tax. The Expenditure Plan Advisory Committee is comprised of 24 community members representing a broad range of FOR CITY CLERK ONLY File No.: Council Meeting: Disposition:

2 SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 2 neighborhood, business, civic and advocacy interests in Marin County. After a 6-month period of deliberation and evaluation of current and future transportation needs in Marin County, the Committee unanimously elected to retain the half-cent sales tax level, extend the tax for 30 years, and adopt a new Draft Sales Tax Renewal Expenditure Plan. In March and April 2018, TAM staff presented the Draft Expenditure Plan and received input from all jurisdictions in Marin County. San Rafael s presentation was held on March 19, The input from Marin s cities and towns and the County of Marin was reviewed and analyzed, and key input was incorporated into a Final Expenditure Plan. That final plan was approved by the TAM Board of Commissioners on April 26, TAM is seeking unanimous approval of this Final Plan by Marin cities, towns and the County of Marin. ANALYSIS: The Transportation Sales Tax Renewal Expenditure Plan, excerpted below, outlines why a local, countywide transportation sales tax is needed in Marin County and why the current plan is being revised: The current plan is 15 years old, and the needs of our Marin residents and workers have changed. The previous plan has restrictions that prevent the dollars from being spent on new needs, such as the Northbound Highway 101 to Eastbound I-580 connector. We need to extend this sales tax measure now to create a reliable funding stream that enables cost-effective planning for the future. The transportation dollars employ professionals such as school crossing guards and Whistle-stop Wheels. Without extending the contract the cannot enter multi-year agreements. In order to attract new state and regional revenue sources, local funds are necessary. Local funds are required to effectively compete for non-local dollars. We need local transportation funding now more than ever. Growing uncertainty over federal and state infrastructure dollars means Marin County needs to proactively protect and strengthen its local funding sources. We need to fund those transportation needs that other federal, state and regional funds won t fund. A number of high priority needs are not funded by any other fund source, such as federal or state gas taxes, or regional tolls. These include the Safe Routes to Schools Program, the school crossing guards, funding to start addressing flooding and sea level rise impacts, and more. Every penny generated by this measure will go directly toward local transportation projects and programs in Marin County. This plan provides strict accountability. An independent Citizen s Oversight Committee will be established that will audit and report annually on TAM s use of the sales tax funds. This plan provides essential transportation infrastructure and services for people who live and work in Marin County. The Expenditure Plan specifically supports the following goals: 1. Reduce congestion on Highway 101 and adjacent roadways 2. Maintain, improve, and manage local roads and other infrastructure 3. Reduce school-related congestion and provide safer access to schools 4. Maintain and expand efficient and effective local transit services Key revisions to the Draft Plan, based on input from the jurisdictions during presentations given in March and April, include the following: Increasing the funding percentage to the Crossing Guard Program under the Safe Routes to Schools Category from 6.5% to 7.0%. This change was in response to concerns over cuts to the Crossing Guard Program and support for increasing the number of crossing guards. The final level of funding allows the Crossing Guard Program to fund approximately 96 guards, an increase from the current level of 58 guards. To allow for this

3 SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 3 increase, the subcategory Commute Alternatives and Trip Reduction Strategies, under the Highways and Interchange Category, is reduced from 1.0% to 0.5%. The 0.5% funding remaining in Commute Alternatives / Trip Reduction is adequate due to numerous upcoming grant opportunities and funds already available for Marin-wide efforts. Expanding the eligibility in several categories to include alternative fuel vehicles and facilities to support alternative fuel vehicles, including electric vehicles. Eligible categories include Local Streets and Roads, Sea Level Rise and Resiliency, and Transit Facilities. Expanding eligibility in the Local Streets and Roads Category to include investments to address congestion on local street and road corridors, municipal fleet conversion to alternative fuel vehicles, and sea-level rise and flooding needs. Starting the renewed tax and implementing the new Sales Tax Renewal Expenditure Plan effective April 1, 2019, instead of January 1st, The April 1st implementation date is in accordance with state law. Changing the timing of TAM Board review of the Expenditure Plan to every 6 years whereupon the Board can consider amendments to keep pace with the changing world of transportation. Adding reducing greenhouse gas emissions as a goal of the Plan, so the overall goal now reads: GOAL: Reduce congestion and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, maintain and improve local transportation infrastructure, and provide high quality transportation options for people of all ages who live, work, and travel in Marin County. TAM is seeking City Council approval of the attached Final Transportation Sales Tax Renewal Expenditure Plan. As part of the presentation on June 18, 2018, TAM will be noting City Council s comments from the March 19, 2018 presentation and how they were addressed in the final plan. If support for this Final Expenditure Plan is received from the jurisdictions, TAM intends to put retention of the ½-cent Transportation sales tax measure for 30 years, with the conditions outlined in the Final Expenditure Plan, on the November ballot. The deadline for submitting the final expenditure plan and ballot argument to the Registrar of Voters is August 10, FISCAL IMPACT: There is no fiscal impact association with this item. OPTIONS: The City Council has the following options to consider on this matter: 1. Adopt resolution approving final expenditure plan. 2. Adopt resolution with modifications. 3. Direct staff to return with more information. 4. Take no action. ACTION REQUIRED: Adopt resolution of the City Council approving the Transportation Authority of Marin (TAM) Final Transportation Sales Tax Renewal Expenditure Plan (Measure A Transportation Sales Tax). ATTACHMENTS: 1. Resolution 2. June 5, 2018 Memorandum from TAM Regarding Final Transportation Sales Tax Renewal Expenditure Plan Approval 3. Final Transportation Sales Tax Renewal Expenditure Plan 4. Transportation Sales Tax Renewal Process Likely Next Steps

4 RESOLUTION NO. RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL APPROVING THE TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY OF MARIN (TAM) FINAL TRANSPORTATION SALES TAX RENEWAL EXPENDITURE PLAN (MEASURE A TRANSPORTATION SALES TAX) WHEREAS, the Transportation Sales Tax (Measure A) is a 20-year ½ cent sales tax, which began in 2005 and has an eventual sunset date of 2025; and WHEREAS, the Measure A funds are spent by the Transportation Authority of Marin (TAM) in accordance with the year Measure A Transportation Sales Tax Expenditure Plan; and WHEREAS, San Rafael benefits greatly from Measure A, receiving $550,000 a year towards street resurfacing throughout the City, and millions for one-time transportation projects such as $4 million for the improvements on Fourth Street in the West End, and $10 million for the Third Street Rehabilitation Project; and WHEREAS, the 15-year-old Expenditure Plan is starting to fail to meet Marin s current transportation needs; and WHEREAS, the TAM Board commissioned an Expenditure Plan Advisory Committee to review the current plan and recommend changes, and the Committee unanimously elected to retain the ½-cent sales tax level, extend the tax for 30 years, and adopt a new Sales Tax Renewal Expenditure Plan; and WHEREAS, input from Marin s cities and towns and the County of Marin was reviewed and analyzed, and key input was incorporated into a Final Transportation Sales Tax Renewal Expenditure Plan, which was unanimously approved by the TAM Board of Commissioners on April 26, 2018; and 1

5 WHEREAS, TAM staff presented this final expenditure plan to the San Rafael City Council on June 18, 2018 and seeks approval of the final plan by the San Rafael City Council; NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL RESOLVES that the City Council of the City of San Rafael hereby approves the TAM Final Transportation Sales Tax Renewal Expenditure Plan. I, LINDSAY LARA, Clerk of the City of San Rafael, hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution was duly and regularly introduced and adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council of said City on the 18 th day of June 2018, by the following vote, to wit: AYES: NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: COUNCILMEMBERS: ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: LINDSAY LARA, City Clerk File No.:

6 900 Fifth Avenue Suite 100 San Rafael California Phone: 415/ Fax: 415/ Belvedere James Campbell Corte Madera Diane Furst Fairfax John Reed Larkspur Dan Hillmer Mill Valley Stephanie Moulton-Peters Novato Eric Lucan Ross P. Beach Kuhl San Anselmo Brian Colbert San Rafael Gary Phillips Sausalito Ray Withy Tiburon Alice Fredericks County of Marin Damon Connolly Katie Rice Kathrin Sears Dennis Rodoni Judy Arnold June 5, 2018 Mr. Jim Schutz City Manager City of San Rafael 1400 Fifth Avenue San Rafael, CA Dear Mr. Schutz: TAM requests approval from the San Rafael City Council of TAM s Final Transportation Sales Tax Renewal Expenditure Plan (Final Plan). TAM completed an extensive outreach and input process on the Draft Plan to ensure the Final Plan reflects the needs of Marin s jurisdictions, local organizations, and the public. TAM presented the Draft Plan to the San Rafael City Council and received input on March 19, TAM staff summarized comments and input received on the Draft Plan from all 11 of Marin s local jurisdictions and the County of Marin. These comments were presented and considered by the TAM Board, who made adjustments to the Draft Plan accordingly. The Final Plan includes changes that reflect key findings from the outreach effort. The TAM Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the Final Plan on April 26, 2018 and directed staff to seek approval of the Final Plan from all jurisdictions in Marin. Changes from Draft Plan to Final Plan Key revisions made in the Draft Plan include: Increasing the funding percentage to the Crossing Guard Program under the Safe Routes to Schools Category from 6.5% to 7.0%. This change was in response to concerns over cuts to the Crossing Guard Program and support for increasing the number of crossing guards. The final level of funding allows the Crossing Guard Program to fund approximately 96 guards, an increase from the current level of 58 guards. To allow for this increase, the subcategory Commute Alternatives and Trip Reduction Strategies, under the Highways and Interchange Category, is reduced from 1.0% to 0.5%. The 0.5% funding remaining in Commute Alternatives / Trip Reduction is adequate due to numerous upcoming grant opportunities and funds already available for Marin-wide efforts. Expanding the eligibility in several categories to include alternative fuel vehicles and facilities to support alternative fuel vehicles, including electric vehicles. Eligible categories include Local Streets and Roads, Sea Level Rise and Resiliency, and Transit Facilities.

7 Letter to the San Rafael City Council / Jim Schutz June 5, 2018 Expanding eligibility in the Local Streets and Roads Category to include investments to address congestion on local street and road corridors, municipal fleet conversion to alternative fuel vehicles, and sea-level rise and flooding needs. Starting the renewed tax and implementing the new Sales Tax Renewal Expenditure Plan effective April 1, 2019, instead of January 1st, The April 1 st implementation date is in accordance with state law. Changing the timing of TAM Board review of the Expenditure Plan to every 6 years whereupon the Board can consider amendments to keep pace with the changing world of transportation. Adding reducing greenhouse gas emissions as a goal of the Plan, so the overall goal now reads: GOAL: Reduce congestion and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, maintain and improve local transportation infrastructure, and provide high quality transportation options for people of all ages who live, work, and travel in Marin County. General Background Marin s 2004 Measure A, the ½-cent countywide Transportation Sales Tax, is a critical local funding source that generates approximately $25 million each year to support our local transportation needs. The Measure was passed by over 71% of Marin voters in 2004 and funds are spent in accordance with the 20-year Measure A Transportation Sales Tax Expenditure Plan. With a 15-year old plan that is starting to fail to meet Marin s current needs, the TAM Board commissioned an Expenditure Plan Advisory Committee to review the current plan and recommend changes, either keeping the sales tax at a half-cent or considering an increase in the sales tax. The Expenditure Plan Advisory Committee, comprised of 24 community members representing a broad range of neighborhood, business, civic and advocacy interests in Marin County, met over a 6 month period and considered numerous current and future transportation needs in Marin. After much deliberation, they unanimously elected to retain the half-cent sales tax level, extend the tax for 30 years, and they adopted a Draft Sales Tax Renewal Expenditure Plan. The Draft Plan was developed to provide funding for core transportation needs of highest priority to the public, with emphasis placed on congestion relief and support for multi-modal options for a wide variety of users. In January 2018, a follow-up public opinion poll was conducted specifically addressing a renewal of the current sales tax and testing the features of the Draft Transportation Sales Tax Renewal Expenditure Plan. The poll stated both supportive and critical informational statements. The poll results showed strong support for renewing the ½-cent transportation sales tax under the recommended Draft Plan, with support from likely November 2018 voters at 77.9%, and after a series of critical statements were presented, 73.2%. The TAM Board directed staff to seek input from all 11 of Marin s local jurisdictions, along with the Board of Supervisors. In March and April 2018, TAM staff presented the Draft Expenditure Plan and received input from all jurisdictions in Marin. The input from the cities, towns and the County was summarized, and key input was incorporated into a Final Expenditure Plan that was presented to the TAM Board of Commissioners on April 26, On April 26, 2018, the TAM Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the Final Sales Tax Renewal Expenditure Plan and directed staff to seek approval of the Final Plan by all of Marin s cities and towns, and the County.

8 Letter to the San Rafael City Council / Jim Schutz June 5, 2018 Next Steps At this time, TAM is seeking approval from TAM s member agencies - the cities, towns and County of Marin - of the Final Transportation Sales Tax Renewal Expenditure Plan. The TAM Board has expressed intent for the sales tax renewal and Final Expenditure Plan to be placed on the ballot for consideration by voters in November TAM is seeking unanimous approval of the Final Plan by cities, towns and the County, although existing state statute that establishes TAM s authority requires a majority vote of 50+% of the cities or towns representing 50+% of the incorporated population, as well as a majority vote of the Board of Supervisors. (See California Public Utilities Code Section ) The 75-word ballot argument and Expenditure Plan must be submitted to the Registrar of Voters no later than August 10, The TAM Board will consider a final action to place the measure on the ballot no later than mid to end of July 2018, allowing time for the Marin County Board of Supervisors to approve putting the measure on the November 2018 ballot. Our transportation system relies greatly on local funding for local needs. The Final Plan adjusts the sales tax expenditures to address current and future transportation priorities and allows TAM to address urgent needs without increasing the current half-cent tax. The measure provides a long-term, reliable funding stream and creates an opportunity to redistribute these tax dollars in a way that best reflects the county s present-day transportation needs. We request the approval of your Council of the attached Final Transportation Sales Tax Renewal Expenditure Plan. As part of our presentation, we will be noting Council s comments from our visit in March and how they were addressed. Sincerely, Dianne Steinhauser Executive Director Transportation Authority of Marin Attachments: Final Transportation Sales Tax Renewal Expenditure Plan Transportation Sales Tax Renewal Process Likely Next Steps

9 2018 Marin County Transportation Sales Tax Renewal Expenditure Plan May 2018 FINAL PLAN

10 TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY OF MARIN Board of Commissioners Damon Connolly, County of Marin District 1 Katie Rice, County of Marin District 2 Kathrin Sears, County of Marin District 3 Dennis Rodoni, County of Marin District 4 Judy Arnold, County of Marin District 5 James Campbell, City of Belvedere Brian Colbert, Town of San Anselmo Alice Fredericks, Town of Tiburon P. Beach Kuhl, Town of Ross Diane Furst, Town of Corte Madera Dan Hillmer, City of Larkspur Eric Lucan, City of Novato Stephanie Moulton-Peters, City of Mill Valley Gary O. Phillips, City of San Rafael John Reed, Town of Fairfax Ray Withy, City of Sausalito DRAFT Final Marin County Transportation Sales Tax Renewal Expenditure Plan i

11 Table of Contents Page Executive Summary... ES-1 Why does Marin County need a transportation sales tax extension?... ES-2 1 Marin County 30-Year Transportation Sales Tax Expenditure Plan Summary Plan Background Plan Components Plan Implementation Marin County 30-Year Transportation Sales Tax Expenditure Plan Details Transportation Sales Tax Governance and Organizational Structure Implementing Guidelines Appendix A: Glossary Appendix B: Expenditure Plan Advisory Committee Membership Table of Figures Page Figure ES-1 Expenditure Plan Strategies and Funding Summary... ES-6 Figure 1-1 Typical Transportation Funding Sources for Marin County Figure 1-2 Expenditure Plan Categories and Funding Breakdown DRAFT Final Marin County Transportation Sales Tax Renewal Expenditure Plan ii

12 Executive Summary In 2004, Marin voters approved the Measure A 20-year half-cent sales tax measure to fund local transportation projects throughout the county. As that funding source approaches its expiration date, the Transportation Authority of Marin (TAM) is recommending voter approval of an extension to this essential transportation-funding source, the Measure A Renewal. After conducting an extensive public input process, TAM has developed the Transportation Sales Tax Renewal Expenditure Plan (Expenditure Plan) for the renewal of the half-cent sales tax to support current transportation priorities in Marin County. The Expenditure Plan s projects and programs are detailed below. The Expenditure Plan culminates from a bottom up planning approach, enabled by the Expenditure Plan Advisory Committee (EPAC) and approved by the TAM Board, the County, and the individual cities, and towns of Marin. The sales tax renewal will provide funding for core transportation needs of highest priority to the public, as detailed in this plan, without increasing the current half-cent tax. This plan is built on a record of success. Marin voters last approved a transportation sales tax in 2004 when they passed Measure A, Marin County s first transportation sales tax. Measure A is a half-cent tax that addressed a severe shortfall in available funds for transportation. These funds have been instrumental in transforming Marin County s transportation programs and infrastructure over the past 14 years: $25 million was provided to complete the Highway 101 HOV carpool lanes through San Rafael, closing a 3-mile gap that caused severe congestion. The local $25 million for Highway 101 enabled Marin County to attract over $75 million in regional, state, and federal funds to finish the project. The 2004 sales tax funds have enabled significant local road improvements that were designed and built to meet the needs of all users. These included 4 th Street in San Rafael, Miller Avenue in Mill Valley, and Sir Francis Drake through Samuel P. Taylor Park in West Marin. The funds restored and expanded local bus transit service that was being cut back in 2003, and enabled new services, including those for seniors. Finally, the funds have enabled nearly 60 crossing guards to be placed near schools, built nearly $20 million in Safe Pathway improvements to and from schools, and enabled education and encouragement of walking and biking through the Safe Routes to Schools program in over 60 schools in Marin. Finally, over $60 million has gone into pothole repair and street rehabilitation, again meeting the needs of cars, bicyclists, pedestrians, and transit. Our transportation system relies greatly on local funding for local needs. Measure A Marin County s 2004 voter-approved half-cent transportation sales tax measure has been a major source of transportation funding in Marin County over the past 14 years, and is set to expire on March 31, This proposed sales tax renewal measure extends this existing funding source for 24 years beyond the existing expiration date. The Expenditure Plan adjusts the expenditures to address current and future transportation priorities, and allows the County to address urgent needs without increasing the current half-cent tax. The measure provides a long-term, reliable funding stream and creates an opportunity to redistribute these tax dollars in a way that best reflects the county s present-day transportation needs. TAM is dedicated to making the most of Marin County transportation dollars and creating an efficient and effective transportation system that promotes mobility and accessibility by providing a variety of high-quality transportation options to all users. Its members all 11 cities and towns, DRAFT Final Marin County Transportation Sales Tax Renewal Expenditure Plan ES-1

13 and all five members of the County Board of Supervisors have achieved significant progress in meeting Marin s transportation needs. The new Expenditure Plan allows TAM to continue to achieve these goals. WHY DOES MARIN COUNTY NEED A TRANSPORTATION SALES TAX EXTENSION? The current plan is 15 years old, and the needs of our Marin residents and workers have changed. The current plan does not allow local sales tax funds to be spent on a variety of new needs. As an example, the current sales tax can t be used to help build a sorely needed direct connector from Northbound Highway 101 to Eastbound I-580 in San Rafael. The current sales tax can t be used to finish the Highway 101 Marin Sonoma Narrows project, completing the third lane from Novato to Petaluma. In addition, the current sales tax can t be used on local road interchanges with Highway 101, many of which are outdated and unable to handle current traffic demand. The current sales tax does not address the infrastructure needs of rising sea levels and flooding. And it does not address investing in innovation, including support of infrastructure for electric vehicles, or first and last mile access to major transit hubs. The new Sales Tax Renewal Expenditure Plan allows funds to be spent in all these areas. We need to extend this sales tax measure now to create a reliable funding stream that enables cost-effective planning for the future. As our current Transportation Sales Tax, Measure A, approaches its expiration date, the ability to enter longer term, more costeffective contracts is significantly diminished. TAM is very proud of a strong core of over 85 professionally trained school crossing guards. Our schools, parents, and children rely heavily on the safety these guards provide. To maintain the guards in a highly competitive labor environment and to increase the number of guards to address identified safety needs for Marin s students, a multi-year contract is needed, which is impossible if the funds are set to expire soon. Local transit for seniors and people with disabilities similarly relies on high-quality service such as that provided by Whistlestop Wheels. Without a steady stream of funds, those contract services could expire and quality providers could be lost. Shorter-term contracts will cost more. In order to attract new state and regional revenue sources, local funds are necessary. Local funds are essential in TAM s ability to secure the final suite of funds for completing the Highway 101 carpool lanes through the Marin Sonoma Narrows and to attract nearterm funds for building the new Highway 101/I-580 Direct Connector, two projects essential to addressing congestion along the Highway 101 corridor. We need local transportation funding now more than ever. With the ongoing uncertainty of federal and state infrastructure dollars, it is essential for Marin County to protect and strengthen its local funding sources. By renewing this county-based funding source, and resetting how the funds can be spent, Marin s local jurisdictions can rely on these funds addressing current and future needs. We need to fund those transportation needs that other federal, state and regional funds won t fund. While recently approved state funds under Senate Bill 1 will provide funds for local streets and roads improvements, and upcoming Bay Area toll bridge funds will substantially fund several major projects in Marin, a number of high priority needs are not funded by any other fund source, such as federal or state gas taxes, or regional tolls. These include the Safe Routes to Schools Program, the school crossing guards, the Senior DRAFT Final Marin County Transportation Sales Tax Renewal Expenditure Plan ES-2

14 Mobility Program, planning improvements at our major interchanges on Highway 101, needed funding to start addressing flooding and sea level rise impacts on transportation, and a small amount of seed funding to attract innovative solutions to congestion and greenhouse gas emission reduction. Without our local transportation sales tax, none of these needs can be addressed. Every penny generated by this measure will go directly toward local transportation projects and programs in Marin County. Many of the core projects and programs Marin s workers and residents rely upon can only proceed with local funding sources. Without these funds it would be difficult to pay for roadway maintenance, paratransit services, school bus services, and the Safe Routes to School program measure. The measure will also provide a source of local matching funds that will qualify essential local projects for millions of dollars in state and regional matching funds. This plan provides strict accountability. Funds generated by the sales tax can only be applied to transportation improvements that will benefit Marin County. These funds may not be used for any transportation projects or programs other than those specified in the Expenditure Plan. An independent Citizen s Oversight Committee will be established that will audit and report annually on TAM s use of the sales tax funds. This plan provides essential transportation infrastructure and services for people who live and work in Marin County. The Expenditure Plan will improve traffic operations and infrastructure on city streets and highways; fix potholes and maintain local roads; provide transit services within the county, including services for youth, seniors, and people with disabilities; improve air quality; reduce greenhouse gas emissions and create local jobs. It supports an environmentally sustainable future while providing transportation options throughout the county. Specifically, the Expenditure Plan will support the following four categories: 1. Reduce congestion on Highway 101 and adjacent roadways. Critical projects funded under the sales tax renewal plan include the Marin Sonoma Narrows and the Highway 101/I-580 Direct Connector, which are essential to the delivery of workers and goods, and the management of congestion throughout the county. A new funding program will begin improving numerous local road interchanges with Highway 101. The funds will serve to attract state and regional toll funds for these essential projects to be completed. These funds will also continue Marin County s successful programs to reduce congestion by working with employers and employees on commute alternatives and trip reduction. Strategies such as promoting telecommuting, vanpooling, and carpooling incentives, and first/last mile services to regional transit hubs have all proven to be successful ways to providing quality options to driving. 2. Maintain, improve, and manage local roads and other infrastructure. The new sales tax plan substantially increases funding for pothole repair and other local street and road maintenance and rehabilitation. Funds are eligible for a wide variety of local road needs, to create a well-maintained and resilient transportation system. This category will continue our local jurisdictions recent progress rebuilding, repaving, and reconstructing our local roads, including the addition of features that support walking, biking, and taking transit. Additional investment over the current sales tax will occur as funds nearly double that are available to local cities and towns. Funds can be spent on a wide variety of improvements, including to provide safe and connected bicycle and pedestrian DRAFT Final Marin County Transportation Sales Tax Renewal Expenditure Plan ES-3

15 paths to schools, major transit hubs, and other destinations throughout the county. The funding will also launch new infrastructure projects that promote resiliency and innovation, particularly projects that tackle flooding and sea level rise impacts to our transportation infrastructure. The renewed sales tax funding will increase public availability to alternative fuel facilities, such as electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Innovative technology for better managing traffic will also be supported, such as the installation of smart traffic signals and real-time transit information. 3. Reduce school-related congestion and provide safer access to schools. The renewed sales tax will expand Marin s award-winning Safe Routes to School program that focuses on education, encouragement, safe pathways, and crossing guards to enable students to bike, walk and take the bus to school. The renewed sales tax will add funds to the current crossing guard program and save more than 20 school crossing guards that would otherwise have to be cut in It will maintain the Safe Routes to School education and encouragement program in over 60 schools and will provide a steady source of funding for both large and small safety-related improvements around schools. Additionally, school bus transit will receive dedicated funding to help reduce school-related congestion as noted below. 4. Maintain and expand efficient and effective local transit services. The renewed sales tax will preserve and enhance the array of local transit services that many residents and workers rely on. With public input, these services are designed to meet community needs. Under this category, the sales tax enables Marin to keep and enhance a robust local public transit system. Local transit services are dedicated to delivering workers and students to their jobs and schools. The measure will continue support for transit and paratransit services for Marin s seniors and persons with disabilities. The measure will continue to provide unique services such as the Muir Woods Shuttle and the West Marin Stagecoach. The renewed sales tax will dedicate funds for yellow school bus and other school transit services. The renewed sales tax will provide matching funds for alternative fuel buses, such as all electric buses, and plan for alternatives to traditional transit services. All local transit will be monitored by the Citizen s Oversight Committee regarding cost-effective performance. DRAFT Final Marin County Transportation Sales Tax Renewal Expenditure Plan ES-4

16 2004 Sales Tax Achievements TAM s 2004 half-cent transportation sales tax (Measure A) provided a reliable funding stream for local streets and roads maintenance, major roadway improvements, Safe Routes to Schools programs, and local transit services. This funding stream has provided significant benefits that have helped improve mobility, reduce local congestion, protect the environment, enhance safety, and provide a variety of high quality transportation options to meet local needs. Completed and successful efforts are highlighted below. Highways Completion of the Highway 101 Gap Closure Project in San Rafael, the highoccupancy vehicle (HOV) lane, including the new Southbound 101 to eastbound I-580 high speed two-lane connector. The project also included the separated (Class I) multi-use path over Lincoln Hill. Local Transit Developed a local transit system designed to serve the needs of Marin residents and workers traveling within the county. Enabled Marin Transit to pay for and expand local transit services, paratransit services, the West Marin Stagecoach, and the Muir Woods Shuttle. Kept local transit and paratransit fares low. Local Streets Completed major road improvements including 4 th Street in San Rafael, Miller Avenue in Mill Valley, Sir Francis Drake Boulevard through Samuel P. Taylor Park in West Marin, and portions of Novato Boulevard in Novato. Paved and reconstructed hundreds of miles of local streets and roads, representing over $60 million in investment. Safe Routes to Schools Ongoing success of the Safe Routes to Schools program, with an average of over 50% green trips in over 60 schools countywide, teaching kids the healthy habits of biking and walking, and reducing congestion on our roadways. Funded and implemented nearly $20 million in Safe Pathways capital projects to increase safe access to schools. Placement of 88 crossing guards near schools, providing an essential safety service for kids walking and biking to school. DRAFT Final Marin County Transportation Sales Tax Renewal Expenditure Plan ES-5

17 Figure ES-1 Expenditure Plan Strategies and Funding Summary GOAL: Reduce congestion and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, maintain and improve local transportation infrastructure, and provide high quality transportation options for people of all ages who live, work, and travel in Marin County. Implementation Category % of Sales Tax Funds Allocation Est. 30-year Revenue (Millions) 1. Reduce congestion on Highway 101 and adjacent roadways 7.0% $ Maintain, improve, and manage local roads and related infrastructure 26.5% $ Reduce school-related congestion and provide safer access to schools 11.5% $ Maintain and expand efficient and effective local transit services 55.0% $454.9 TOTAL 100.0% $827.0 The Expenditure Plan is a 30-year plan that recognizes changing needs, funding streams, and technologies. Funds will be allocated to the four strategies by specific percentages as stated in Figure ES-1, after taking off the top the necessary funds needed for the administration and overall program management of the Expenditure Plan. This fee is limited to 5% annually. To keep pace with the changing world of transportation, the TAM Board of Commissioners will review the Expenditure Plan every six years to consider amendments. DRAFT Final Marin County Transportation Sales Tax Renewal Expenditure Plan ES-6

18 1 Marin County 30-Year Transportation Sales Tax Expenditure Plan Summary PLAN BACKGROUND Transportation projects in Marin County are funded in a variety of ways, including grants from federal and state government, local shares of federal and state gas taxes and vehicle fees, a share of toll bridge funds, and Marin s transportation sales tax (see Appendix A for a glossary of terms). Without a dedicated source of local transportation funds, Marin will be eligible for only a fraction of this outside funding. The local sales tax up for consideration of renewal provides most of the funds needed for transportation - over 70% of all funds received. While federal funding has decreased in recent years, and state funds can be at risk, our voter approved local transportation sales tax is a solid source dedicated to Marin, and has enabled Marin to continue to move forward on many key transportation initiatives. Marin is one of 24 counties statewide that has passed a sales tax for transportation purposes Eight of the nine Bay Area counties have enacted comparable sales tax measures for transportation Marin currently generates over $25 million annually from its half-cent sales tax Since its 2004 voter approval, the Measure A transportation sales tax has funded several significant transportation improvement projects. These include: The final three miles of a 20-mile carpool lane on Highway 101 Substantially increasing local transit service Placement of over 85 school crossing guards Maintaining and rehabilitating hundreds of miles of roadways in Marin Completing over 50 Safe Routes to School infrastructure projects While there can be little doubt about the success of the current transportation sales tax, the measure will sunset on March 31, If not renewed, the revenues from the existing tax measure will not be able to address ongoing core transportation needs in its final years. TAM and its local jurisdiction members will not be able to use the remaining funds to identify and respond to new and changing priorities in Marin. Without stable local funding dedicated to transportation, the county will not be able to provide the matching funds necessary to accelerate and complete major congestion relief projects. This is increasingly essential as Marin residents and commuters require more mobility from our infrastructure. A majority of all trips originating in Marin County are made in private vehicles on roads built to standards established decades ago. While our aging transportation infrastructure is Final Marin County Transportation Sales Tax Renewal Expenditure Plan 1-1

19 overburdened, our demand for travel continues to increase. There is no single solution to our transportation needs. The Expenditure Plan outlines a program to extend the existing half-cent transportation sales tax in Marin. It provides both a high degree of accountability, and the flexibility needed to respond to emerging transportation issues over a 30-year period. By extending the sales tax and reconfiguring the Expenditure Plan, Marin can continue to serve the needs of its residents without increasing taxes. This half-cent transportation sales tax is expected to generate an estimated $27 million in its first year and approximately $872 million over 30 years. The renewed sales tax attracts funds from federal, state, and regional revenue sources, and fully funds programs Figure 1-1 Typical Transportation Funding Sources for Marin County Federal 8% State 5% Local 72% Regional 15% serving local needs that cannot be funded any other way. This sale tax renewal is critical to meeting our near-term needs and planning for our long-term solutions. The measure will ensure a source of local matching funds that will qualify essential local projects for millions of dollars in state and regional matching funds. Most important, dedicated local funding will enable Marin to set our own priorities for transportation projects. A local revenue source is absolutely essential to Marin s ability to maintain core services while addressing new needs as well. In a typical year, local revenue provides over 70% of the cost of local transportation projects and programs. Figure 1-1 illustrates a typical year of funding sources for transportation in Marin. TAM s Mission: TAM is dedicated to making the most of Marin County transportation dollars and creating an efficient and effective transportation system that promotes mobility and accessibility by providing a variety of high quality transportation options to all users. Strict accountability and performance measures ensure delivery Established by the 2004 sales tax measure, the Citizens' Oversight Committee (COC) is responsible for reviewing the transportation sales tax expenditures. The COC is comprised exclusively of Marin residents who do not have a conflict of interest with respect to the transportation sales tax. The committee holds public meetings, oversees an independent audit of TAM s sales tax expenditures, and issues annual reports to ensure sales tax funds are being spent in accordance with the Expenditure Plan. For the past 14 years, TAM has maintained an open and public meeting process. TAM ensures adequate public participation in the preparation of the measure s funding Final Marin County Transportation Sales Tax Renewal Expenditure Plan 1-2

20 allocations. TAM works with the Citizen s Oversight Committee to employ an independent auditor to audit all sales tax expenditures to ensure that expenditures are made in accordance with the sales tax renewal plan. This new Expenditure Plan maintains the same approach to accountability for maximum transparency and oversight. All funds generated by the sales tax can only be applied to transportation improvements that will benefit Marin s local cities, towns, and the county. They must be used for specified transportation projects and programs under the Expenditure Plan. Funds are spent locally The revenue generated through this transportation sales tax will be spent exclusively on projects and programs that will benefit Marin. All the projects and programs included in this Expenditure Plan provide essential transportation infrastructure and services in Marin. Developed with robust public involvement The goals and strategies in this Transportation Sales Tax Renewal Expenditure Plan represent the culmination of months of planning and extensive input from the public, key stakeholders, and cities and towns throughout the county. TAM engaged an Expenditure Plan Advisory Committee (EPAC) and held nine meetings with the committee in the summer and fall of 2017 to evaluate existing needs, develop a draft expenditure plan to define specific transportation projects and programs, and provide guidance on the final plan. The EPAC was comprised of a diverse array of stakeholders from throughout Marin. They represent business organizations, labor groups, environmental sustainability organizations, senior and disability advocacy groups, communitybased organizations, social justice advocates, bicycling advocates, and include general representation from all major geographic areas of the county (see Appendix B for a list of the 2017 EPAC Members). The EPAC established a 30-year vision to improve mobility and reduce local congestion throughout the county. The EPAC established a plan that: Provides revenue for Marin County s long-term transportation needs and vision Improves mobility and reduces congestion Supports an efficient and effective transportation system that protects and sustains Marin County s natural environment and unique quality of life Provides equity for all users, including our vulnerable populations, and grows Marin County s economy for its residents, visitors, and workforce Marin s leadership in considering all modes of transportation serves as a building block toward achieving this vision and reflects the local plans and goals of Marin s towns and cities, transit providers, business community, schools, and residents. TAM also solicited input from all local jurisdictions in Marin. The county and all the cities and towns each had an opportunity to review and comment on the draft Expenditure Plan. PLAN COMPONENTS The Expenditure Plan is organized around four categories or strategies designed to meet the current needs of our businesses and residents, while protecting the environment and ensuring Final Marin County Transportation Sales Tax Renewal Expenditure Plan 1-3

21 the high quality of life enjoyed in Marin. Each category is supported by specific programs that have been designed to provide a high degree of accountability to voters. The revenue generated by a sales tax is variable and dependent on the health of the economy. Recognizing that fact, each program has been apportioned a percentage of receipts. An estimated dollar amount over the 30-year life of the tax is also provided. As receipts increase or decrease, the amounts allocated to each program may fluctuate. The overall percentage will be maintained. The four categories outlined in Figure 1-2 will help achieve Expenditure Plan goals: Providing congestion relief and enhancing mobility, improving infrastructure, and providing diverse choices for all travel modes to benefit the environment and our community. Figure 1-2 Expenditure Plan Categories and Funding Breakdown GOAL: Reduce congestion and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, maintain and improve local transportation infrastructure, and provide high quality transportation options for people of all ages who live, work, and travel in Marin County. Implementation Category 1. Reduce congestion on Highway 101 and adjacent roadways by leveraging non-local funds to accelerate completion of key multimodal projects. Provide local matching funds to accelerate the completion of the Marin Sonoma Narrows, to complete the 17- mile carpool lane and multi-use pathway facilities. Provide local matching funds to accelerate the completion of the Northbound Highway 101/ Eastbound I-580 Direct Connector, including the development of local enhancements to reduce impacts and enhance the facility for all users. Improve Highway 101 local interchanges and freeway access routes to reduce congestion, improve local traffic flow, and address flooding impacts throughout the county. Implement commute alternatives and trip reduction strategies to decrease Single Occupant Vehicle (SOV) trips, increase shared mobility, and reduce peak hour congestion throughout the county. 2. Maintain, improve, and manage Marin s local transportation infrastructure, including roads, bikeways, sidewalks, and pathways to create a well-maintained and resilient transportation system. Maintain and manage local roads to provide safe and well-maintained streets for all users. Improvements to maximize the efficiency, effectiveness and resiliency of our transportation system to be determined by local jurisdictions and may include: Paving and repair to roadways, drainage, sidewalks and intersections Bike lanes and multi-use paths Safe pathways to transit and bus stop improvements System enhancements to accommodate new technologies such as signal coordination and real time information Investments to address congestion on local street and road corridors Facilities and support including project management, technical services and outreach to support alternative fuel vehicles, electric vehicles, zero emission vehicles and autonomous vehicles All investments will consider the needs of all users in accordance with Complete Streets practices that have been adopted in each city, town, and the county Municipal fleet conversion to alternative fuel vehicles including electric vehicles Improvements to address sea level rise and flooding on local streets % of Sales Tax Funds Allocation Est. 30-year Revenue (Millions) 7.0% $ % $ % $ % $ % $ % $ % $181.9 Provide safe pathways for safe walking and biking access to schools. 3.0% $24.8 Develop projects to address and mitigate transportation impacts from sea level rise, including facilities to support alternative fuel vehicles including electric vehicles. 1.0% $8.3 Support operational improvements to local streets and roads through innovative technology. 0.5% $4.1 Final Marin County Transportation Sales Tax Renewal Expenditure Plan 1-4